New Zealand registered a resounding 244-run victory over India in the fourth ODI of the series at Mount Maunganui. After being asked to bat first, the hosts posted a formidable total of 333, anchored by a brilliant century from Will Young. In response, pace bowler Matt Henry dismantled the Indian top order with three wickets in the very first over of the chase, setting the tone for a dramatic collapse.

Heaviest defeat by runs in 26 years

The defeat marks India's largest loss by runs in One-Day Internationals in 26 years. Only once before have India lost by a greater margin on the basis of runs — a 245-run defeat against Sri Lanka in Sharjah in 2000, which remains their heaviest ODI loss. Today's 244-run defeat now ranks second on that list. Additionally, India had previously suffered a 214-run loss to South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium in 2015.

Young's century sets up New Zealand's commanding total

New Zealand got off to a solid start after being put into bat, with openers Will Young and Tim Seifert sharing an 85-run partnership. Seifert departed, but Young held the innings together at one end. His outstanding century powered the team to 333 on the scoreboard. It seemed Young's day could not get any better — until his teammate Matt Henry stole the spotlight after the innings concluded.

Henry's early burst triggers Indian batting collapse

Chasing a daunting target of 334, India's innings unravelled in the very first over as Matt Henry claimed three wickets. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were all dismissed without scoring. The Indian batting lineup never recovered from this early shock and was eventually bowled out for just 89 runs. Henry finished with six wickets, further cementing New Zealand's dominance in the series with this emphatic victory.